How Do You Plant Cherry Tomatoes?
Updated on
November 8, 2023
Growing Cherry Tomatoes
Welcome to your ultimate guide to planting cherry tomatoes, one of the most fruitful and versatile fruits in the garden. Cherry tomatoes are not only sweet, scrumptious, and easy to grow, but they also add an appealing pop of color to your garden. Cultivating cherry tomatoes is an enjoyable experience for first-time gardeners and green thumbs alike; their robust growth and abundant yield make for a rewarding harvest. This piece will take you through the complete process, from planting seeds or young plants, to maintaining and finally harvesting your cherry tomatoes. Feast your eyes on each step’s thrilling anticipation, and in due course, feast on the delightful fruits of your labor. You won't regret venturing into this engaging, flavorful garden project.
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A Cheatsheet for Growing Cherry Tomatoes
Choose a Healthy Variety:
🍅 Opt for disease-resistant varieties to ensure a successful yield.
Find the Perfect Spot:
☀️ Select a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Prepare the Soil:
🌱 Maintain well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8.
Plant at the Right Time:
🌤️ Transplant seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
Give Them Space:
🌱 Allow around 2-3 feet of space between each plant for optimal growth.
Water Consistently:
💧 Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Support the Plants:
🌱 Use stakes or cages to support the growing vines and prevent damage.
Fertilize Regularly:
🌿 Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Watch for Pests:
🐌 Protect your cherry tomatoes from pests like aphids and tomato hornworms.
Harvest and Enjoy:
🍅 Pick the ripe cherry tomatoes when they have reached their desired size and color. They're packed with antioxidants and vitamin C!
Intro To Growing Cherry Tomatoes
Right, you're in for a treat. Growing cherry tomatoes is a lot of fun. plus, they are tasty and healthy!
Varieties
if you are growing the tomatoes in containers or baskets, choose determinate varieties that have a predetermined mature size and are compact in growth. most determinate varieties are 3 to 4 feet tall. baby boomer is a hybrid determinate variety that gives high yield with the fruit developing in 50 to 55 days. tiny tim is another determinate heirloom variety that matures in 55 to 60 days and produces bountiful crop. it tolerates a little shade and is perfect for container gardening. bing cherry variety is perfect for growing in containers in warm and hot weather conditions. this variety is highly tolerant of drought and is great for beginners. bartelly f1 is a disease-resistant variety that also gives a bountiful harvest. it is resistant to diseases such as mosaic virus found commonly in most tomatoes. sweetheart cherry tomatoes are little heart-shaped and the plant remains short with the average height of 2 feet, making it ideal for container gardens. gold nugget is a determinate, compact variety that is resistant to cracking and is known for early yields. indeterminate cherry tomatoes grow freely and get bigger and bushier with time. they need more space for cultivation and are suitable if you are not short on space. black cherry is an indeterminate variety that matures in 60 days and is rich in antioxidants. italian ice is a hybrid variety with creamy yellow tomatoes that have a mild taste. they can be harvested in 65 days.
Soil
cherry tomatoes thrive in loose, acidic, well-drained soil with a ph level between 6.2 and 6.5. do a soil test to determine the nutrient level in the soil. cherry tomatoes grow in almost all soil types except heavy clay soil. loamy and sandy loam soils are the best to grow this vegetable. if you live in a tropical region, add sand or perlite to the soil to make it more draining. use rich soil with plenty of compost mixed in before planting. well-worked manure works well for its growth. to prevent problems like blossom end rot, add lime or epsom salt to the soil to increase the magnesium levels. if the soil is too heavy with poor drainage, grow your tomatoes in raised garden beds or containers.
Sun-Requirements
this is a plant that needs shade.
Sowing
start the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the projected frost date. do not plant tomato seeds in the same location where plants of nightshade family grow (potatoes, peppers, eggplants). cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil, making sure that all seeds are at a uniform depth. make sure you do not place the seeds any deeper than half an inch as it makes the germination process more time consuming and difficult.
Depth
cherry tomatoes should be sown at a depth of 0.25 inches (1 cm).
Germination
FAQ
1. When should I start growing cherry tomatoes?
You should start growing cherry tomatoes in the spring, after the last frost has passed.
2. Where should I plant cherry tomatoes?
Plant cherry tomatoes in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
3. What type of soil do cherry tomatoes prefer?
Cherry tomatoes prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
4. How deep should I plant the cherry tomato seeds or seedlings?
Plant cherry tomato seeds or seedlings about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil.
5. How far apart should I space my cherry tomato plants?
Space your cherry tomato plants about 24 to 36 inches apart to allow proper airflow and growth.
6. How often should I water cherry tomato plants?
Water cherry tomato plants deeply once or twice a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
7. Do cherry tomato plants need support?
Yes, cherry tomato plants benefit from staking or caging to support their growth and prevent them from sprawling.
8. How long does it take for cherry tomatoes to grow and ripen?
Cherry tomatoes typically take around 60 to 75 days from planting to harvest.
9. How do I know when cherry tomatoes are ready to pick?
Cherry tomatoes are ready to pick when they are fully colored and easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist.
10. Can I grow cherry tomatoes in containers?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be successfully grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has proper drainage.
The seeds will usually germinate in just a few days. (6 to 8 days) It takes five to ten days for cherry tomato seeds to germinate. The first shoots emerge from the seed and grow upward. Once the seeds germinate, plant the seedlings outdoors when they are about 6 inches tall with 2 to 3 sets of true leaves. cherry tomatoes grow well in bright and warm spots. make sure that the location get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight during the day. in early spring, make sure that the danger of frost has passed as tender seedlings die if they get too cold. transplant the seedlings outdoors when they are about 12 weeks old or 6 weeks after the last frost date.
